Top five acts to see at Viva Big Bend

Published 11:37 am, Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Perhaps Viva Big Bend organizer Stewart Ramser’s tip should be more of a mantra when taking on the four-day/four-town music festival.

“It’s about discovering new music and I’d encourage people to go to all the venues and explore the different towns,” he said. “But also, be prepared to not be able to do everything or see every act.”

For one reason, many shows happen at the same time in different towns. Another is that you need time to savor the acts rather than rushing in and out.

But if we had a say, there are five we really hope you’ll make time for.

Sarah Jaffe at Padre’s in Marfa. 10:30 p.m. Thursday

Jaffe backs up her NPR-darling status with independent sensibilities that are both familiar and her signature. With six releases under her belt, her sound has grown with each new album. From her 2010 acoustic “Suburban Nature” to the fusion of electronica and modern pop in this year’s “Visions” EP. Jaffe may keep her fans guessing with different sounds, but seems quite at home with all of them.

Jonathan Tyler at Padre’s in Marfa. 10:30 p.m. Friday

When an NBA MVP player namedrops your album, that would be a big deal. Dallas Maverick Dirk Nowitzki did just that with Tyler’s new album “Holy Smokes.” Not out until August, Nowitzki’s tweet encouraged folks to check it out when it drops. And if the lead single “To Love is To Fly” is any indication, the album will only perpetuate the truth that Tyler’s style is as solid as ever.

The O’s at Reata in Alpine. 7:30 p.m. Saturday

This North Texas band is no stranger to Midland, but they seem to quietly come in for a gig and go. Or perhaps I just find out about them after the fact. So if you’re like me and keep missing them, head west to catch their Americana flair that’s been building buzz since their incredible 2009 debut “We are the O’s.” Listening to their music, it’s hard to believe all those rich, layered sounds come from just two musicians. Tip: According to the band’s Facebook, they will play the Gage Hotel in Marathon on Friday also.

Aaron Behrens and the Midnight Stroll at Padre’s in Marfa. 9:30 p.m. Saturday

Ghostland Observatory fans should be equally fond of frontman Behrens’ new project. With the Midnight Stroll, Behrens delves into gritty, modern rock that sounds like it’s from the future. The band’s single “Keep On Rising” is an infectious listen but the self-title EP by the Austin-based band is a tiny collection of massive sounds.

Soul Track Mind at Railroad Blues in Alpine. Midnight on Saturday

The clean cut and well-dressed look of this Austin band only lends to their rich rock and soul sound. And they don’t even come across as ironic as one might think. The ties, the button-up shirts and the cool swagger is somewhat of a throwback to ’90s swing bands, but also gives the band an air of class. Given that their music is raucous and rowdy makes the entire live experience a mind-blowing one.

For more information about the festival and the complete schedule of concerts, visit vivabigbend.com.